Park Ranger Killed in Elephant Attack

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Zimbabwe's wildlife authority says three elephants attacked a park ranger and trampled him to death during an anti-poaching patrol in the northwestern nature reserve where more than 102 elephants have been poisoned by poachers using cyanide in past weeks.

Zimbabwe's state radio said Wednesday the veteran ranger was charged by the elephants when separated from colleagues in the remote Hwange National Park on Monday.

The National Parks Department said Lovemore Maphosa, 61, was out on a 10-day foot patrol, the radio reported.

Four poachers arrested in the past month have received up to 16-year jail terms for using cyanide at water holes to saw off tusks for the lucrative illegal ivory market.

Elephants are known to be skittish and aggressive especially when family groups are in danger.

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